Arts in Islamic Religious Studies (MAIRS)

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences serves the entire university by providing all Al Akhawayn students with the intellectual skills and training that are the essence of a Liberal Arts education. Through the rich traditions of the Humanities—philosophy, art, history, religion, and literature—students gain a new respect for the heritage of creativity which surrounds and enriches their lives and their own place in that ongoing human drama. Exposure to the debates, methods and practices of the Social Sciences — including politics, anthropology, sociology, geography, and other disciplines — provides students with critical thinking, as well as perspectives and tools to meet the many challenges they will face in their careers and their communities. These courses represent most of those taught in the University Common Core. The School of Humanities and Social Sciences provides innovative degree programs in applied Social Sciences with an emphasis on interdisciplinary, critical and analytical skills, as well as practical learning. At the undergraduate level, the programs offered include: Communication Studies, Human Resource Development and International Studies. At the graduate level, the School offers master’s programs in International Studies and Diplomacy, North African and Middle Eastern Studies, and Religious Studies. Minors are offered in the three undergraduate degree programs plus minors in Women’s Studies, Arabic Language and Culture, African Studies, and Organizational Studies. The School of Humanities and Social Sciences offers a number of special programs, including an Intensive Summer Program in Arabic Language and North African Studies. The School of Humanities and Social Sciences also has a mandate to encourage dialogue and debates among different cultures and civilizations in an academic atmosphere characterized by pluralism, respect for the other, and academic freedom. We hope you will visit us often to find out how our programs and activities are developing and growing as we continue to contribute to the development of education in the Social Sciences and the Liberal Arts in Morocco and the world.

The Master of Arts in Islamic Religious Studies (MAIRS) is a graduate-level degree designed to provide students with an advanced knowledge of issues related to Islam and the role of religion in society. The program focuses on the study of religion from the perspective of the social sciences and humanities as well as from the perspective of theology and religious doctrine. Students select one of two tracks within the Master’s degree: Islamic Studies, which is designed for students whose academic background is outside Islamic studies and who wish to gain advanced knowledge and study Islamic doctrine, law, and history with renowned theologians and historians. Religious Studies, which is designed for students who already have a strong background in Islamic studies and who wish to gain advanced knowledge and study the place of religion in modern societies with political scientists and anthropologists. As such, at the end of the MAIRS program, graduates will have acquired the tools and knowledge to: Understand and analyze the role of religion in the contemporary global context; Understand the origins and development of Islam since the seventh century; Understand how Islam is situated in the 21st century global community; and engage in sophisticated inter-religious dialogue both within and outside of the Muslim world.

Vocational occupations in pastoral counselling (imam, chaplain) and religious services; governmental positions related to religious policy, education, and cooperation; educational services; NGOs.

- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree (Bac+4) with the equivalent of a B standing. However, Al Akhawayn University reserves the right to review the academic records of applicants and to determine whether the academic credentials presented qualify for consideration. - Candidates who did not complete a four-year bachelor at a university where English is the primary language of instruction must submit an acceptable score preferably on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Test System (IELTS). Information regarding the TOEFL is available from Amideast in Rabat. An institutional TOEFL test can also be taken at Al Akhawayn University